My dad (Mr Z) and Mr DeBaets were longtime colleagues and friends. He always had a good word to say about Bill. He will be remembered in the NDHS legacy.

Dear Mary Kay Julie and I are so sad to have heard of Bill’s passing. We both remember many happy Christmases sitting together in Kathy and John’s kitchen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  Julie and Bob Thornton

When I met my favorite history teacher I was an unsure 14 year old who loved to doodle. He nurtured me and became a role model for me. Now I'm a history teacher trying to have half the influence on my students as Mr. DeBaets had on me. Teaching is a life worth living and I am as happy to celebrate his memory as I am sad that he isn't with us.

I am very sorry to learn of Mr. DeBaets's passing. Many of us knew him as the Assistant Dean, but while he could be tough when he had to be, he also showed he had a heart of gold and truly cared about the students. His influence lives on in the lives of all Dons whose lives he touched, and he will be truly missed.

One of the Deans of West Dempster Avenue. Contributed to the school's success in the classroom, on the athletic fields, and in the community, for many years. Well done, sir.

Had the pleasure of being his student. He was a genuinely decent and kind man and very caring. He was also very bright. It was an honor knowing him and may his soul rest in peace.  J.R. Dababneh

I am deeply sorry Mary Kay and all beloved of Bill.  I was campus minister at NDHS 2001-2003 and I will always hold Bill's smile and a servant's heart whenever I would meet up with him.  He touched me and many many many students, staff faculty and alum's of the High School in ways he probably never realized.  I am offering Masses for him and will on this Friday May 7 for his eternal rest.  Sincerely in Notre Dame,   Fr. Jim Bracke csc

Please accept my  deepest sympathy to the whole DeBaets Family.  Craig Pivnicka class of '83

Dear Mrs. Debaets and Family,   I am very sorry to hear of Mr. DeBaet's passing.  Mr. DeBaets and you are in my thoughts and prayers.  He was one of my favorite teachers at ND.  In 1986/87, he was my freshman year, Western Civilization teacher, and he had a profound understanding of the ancient world, and how it related to modern times.  He had many humorous insights about various historical periods that kept our Freshman class interested.  He also had profound insights into the modern world, and how things were likely going to play out in the future in the U.S. and also, in the Soviet Union, which was beginning to moderate under Gorbachev.  I will never forget what he said, "Russia will become more like us, and we will become more like them."  I didn't understand what he was saying at the time, but I do now!   May God hold him the palm of his hand and may perpetual light shine upon him!   Sincerely,  Tim O'Regan  ND Class of 1990

RIP Mr. DeBaets.  You were the lifeblood of ND during my years there. You will be remembered and missed by many... “Great teachers empathize with kids, respect them, and believe that each one has something special that can be built upon.”- Ann Liberman “Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, caliber, and future of the individual. If the people remember me as a good teacher, that will be the biggest honor for me.” – APJ Abdul Kalam --- Thanks again Mr. DeBaets! JG

Without a doubt, one of the strongest influences on me - and my older brother - during my time at NDHS! Mr. DeBaets encouraged us to get "up close and personal" with historical figures of interest and to go "behind the scenes" of all the important events. Beyond that, he was fair and affable - and expected more of us as a Don teaching Dons. I'm a better person for having known him.

OBITUARY

William DeBaets

1 June, 1942 – 2 May, 2021

Glueckert Funeral Home

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